h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Nick, you are wise enough to know that Women Are From Venus, and Men Are From Mars, and never the "Twain Shall Meet", except when their purses are empty and the credit cards have been maxed out... Then they send us wage slaves out to work, with promises of Sweet Pleasure ringing in our ears!! til you

As Dionne Warwick sang "Promises Promises" hahaha Been There, Done That!!! SSDD



Steve

I'm very sorry to hear that. You and your friend and family have my deepest sympathies.

I've known Dave for 20 years now, and after he retired here (his home town) I've known the rest of the family for 12 years. All really good folks, and Leonard and Lou have been really well liked in the community for many decades. She'll have a lot of support and care. Some of her paint skills are on my photo site (see my PS) ... The paintings are ones that we have around our home.

And Stephen, I know that women like to let us think we are in-charge. But you and I really know the truth of the matter. It's the that rule the home !!!

It's good to know the widow will have support and not be on her own like many.
I'm just wondering whether Venus will know which smileys you just posted.

Oh, she'll figure it out from the context. She's let a few moggies rule her home over the years too, ya know.

Yes, I know. I still have a pic somewhere of that naughty little but very cute she briefly had.

Nick, I am truly sorry to hear this news. BUT there is something I must post here and I will phone my brother tonight to confirm the details. The people you are talking about seem to replicate my relatives who left England during or immediately after WW2!. I have never met them, but my Aunt Nancy's first husband was killed during the war, and she met and married an Airman from Canada, during the latter stages of the war.
Nancy was my Mothers sister, and I never got to see her, as she migrated to Canada before I was born. Nick, this is surely coincidence or fate!! If so, we are closer than you could possibly imagine.

Stephen

Ah yes, that micro-package of . Cute but far too curious for the health of her indoor flowers.


I've secretly been collecting bundles of cat-fuzz, to scatter about her flat in a few weeks

Sorry, Stephen, missed your post. So far as I'm aware, Lou only married the once ... 54 or 55 years ago. But if you think there's any link, here's a very descriptive bit about the Lady. She is perhaps 4' 10" tall, and had a glass eye since a foolish footie incident when she was just a teen.

Cat fuzz? I hope Venus has a good hoover.

Isn't it proper to bring a "Thank You" gift for a hostess? Something that is suited to the Lady?

Well, if you think it's an appropriate gift, I won't doubt your decision.

She has already tried our and finds it to be vile. And Customs people really scowl at trying to bring carnivorous plants across the Atlantic. So my options are rather limited.

Awws, come on, there must be something special you can bring. My sister always brings lots of things from Canada - although, come to think of it, that's mostly jeans and t-shirts for her kids.

Actually, we do have something for her, her daughter and grand-kids. She already knows what the other 3 are getting, and so far seems pleased and yet worried to know that what we have for her hasn't grown any ... but is still just as fresh as when I found it.

Are you allowed to import 'living' things (like plants)?

There will be some that are verboten, and many that are allowed. How-ever, anything 'alive', be it fruit, veggie, flower or animal, will probably have to spend certain numbers of days or weeks in a special quarantine. To ensure that no unwelcome parasites accompany them.

You mean, you couldn't take an apple with you?

Oh, probably very singular pieces of fruit or veggies, like celery and carrot sticks, might be okay. But actual growing plants of any type, I think not. The plant itself can be quickly inspected for any 'passengers' that are not native to the new country. But what-ever might be in the soil, molds, bacteria, any number of teeny things that might be harmful to local plants ... In the mid 60's I think it was, we lost nearly all elm trees in this country because of a parasite that came over from Holland. "Dutch Elm Disease". In '76, I found two new ones growing, and they survived over a decade ... before the disease killed them.

Sure, growing plants are different. Which is why I guess Venus doesn't really have to worry to get something that grows.